Knowledge Translation and Evidence-Based Healthcare for the Present and Future of Paediatrics

By: Andrew Tomayer, CPDSN Data Analyst, CAPHC

Evidence shapes paediatrics and the overall healthcare system, leading to advances in both practice and technology. Difficulties in implementing these possible advancements to healthcare come after one understands the benefits of a specific intervention, with effective translation of that knowledge to others.

The benefits of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), or aspirin, in reducing the risk of a heart attack has been known since the 1950s, yet Dr. Lawrence Craven’s theory on its antithrombotic effects would not be reviewed in a formal clinical trial until 1989, over 40 years since his initial observations (and over 30 years since his death in 1957) [1]. Considering the amount of time from initial observations to formal clinical trials to using ASA as a commonly prescribed practice, we can see the issues with not just collecting relevant information that could improve healthcare but also the need to effectively and proficiently share evidence and knowledge with others.

The world of medicine has moved far from its long-gone roots of trial and error to the evidence-driven methods of today. Research needs evidence to support findings of studies, allowing the current state of knowledge to become more valid or create a solid basis for other, more efficient methods. Today, knowledge translation has become a science, grounded in research and established methodologies. Paediatric health centres in Canada need to implement strategies and supports to help their clinicians adopt the best knowledge and apply it to their practice.

To hear more on the importance of this topic, join Stephanie Glegg of Sunny Hill Health Centre and CHILD-BRIGHT’s Knowledge Translation Committee for the 2018 Valentine’s Day edition of CAPHC Presents! with her presentation: